The Edmonton Prospects were able to close out the Okotoks Dawgs in the first round of the Western Major Baseball League Playoffs in a 5-game series that ended in 4 games Friday night in Edmonton. Okotoks was knocked out of the first round of the playoffs by Edmonton for the third year in a row as they just can’t seem to get over that “Prospects” hurdle.

Rich Walker would get the ball in Game 4 with the ability to advance Edmonton to the next round. Walker, who previously threw a perfect game for the Prospects earlier in the year would absolutely deal in this one. Walker would pitch four scoreless innings in this one before the Dawgs would score in the top of 5th, however, Walker wasn’t charged with the earned run. Abdiel Aliceo would score off a missed pick-off attempt and give the Dawgs a 1-0 lead.

The Prospects would get on the scoreboard in the bottom of the fifth off an error themselves, Anthony Cusati would advance to first off of a Dawgs third baseman error, bringing in Zane Takhar and tying the game up at 1-1.

Rich Walker would close out his night pitching 7 innings, allowing no earned runs and 4 strikeouts.

Before his night ended, the Prospects would give him the go-ahead run, lining Walker up for the potential win. AJ Nitzchke would lead off with a triple and Tony Olson would sacrifice fly him home as the Prospects would go up 2-1.

The Prospects would bring in Michael Gahan to close out the game as he would pitch two scoreless innings allowing 1 hit and eventually get the save. The Prospects eliminate the Okotoks Dawgs with the final score staying at 2-1 and they now advance to the second round of the Western Major Baseball League Playoffs in a bid to win the Western Conference.

Player of the Game:

Pitching wins championships and in this one, the Prospects’ pitchers would combine for only 3 hits against. The “Player of the Game” in this one for us will be Rich Walker who pitched 7 innings allowing only two hits and no earned runs.

Monday, August 6 - Game 1, Road game in Medicine Hat Tuesday, August 7 - Game 2, Road game in Medicine Hat Wednesday, August 8 - Game 3, Home Game Thursday, August 9 – Game 4, (If necessary) Home Game Friday, August 10 – Game 5, (if necessary) Road Game

@MarkDemkiw Hi Mark, we will be working on our themed events the next few months. Is your dog a baseball fan?